Monument to S. Marshak

In the heart of Voronezh, on the picturesque Karla Marksa Street, sits a unique landmark — the Monument to Samuil Marshak. It is the world's first bronze monument dedicated to the great poet, translator, and beloved children's storyteller. The 2.5-meter-high sculpture is installed across from the historic house where Samuil Yakovlevich lived at the beginning of the 20th century.

Monument to Samuil Marshak. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The composition, created by the talented sculptor Maxim Dikunov, looks remarkably touching and human. The artist depicted the poet in a coat with a fur collar, with a small winged muse-girl beside him, appearing to hover in the air. A tiny bird perches on the writer's palm, lending the entire image a special warmth and a sense of wonder.

For Russia, this monument holds special significance as it was built with public donations in 2015. Today, it is not only an important memorial but also a symbol of cultural revival, attracting literary enthusiasts and families with children who grew up reading Marshak's poems.

The monument is a public city site and does not have its own dedicated information desk or administrative office.

For details regarding city tours that include a visit to this location, you can contact the local Tourist Information Center.

Visiting the monument is, first and foremost, an opportunity to take atmospheric photos with one of literature's most recognizable figures. Be sure to look closely at the details: the tiny bird on the poet's hand and the hovering figure of the muse create a feeling of a fairy tale coming to life. After seeing the monument, it is worth walking to the neighboring house at No. 72 to read the inscriptions on the memorial plaque and connect with the history of the place where Marshak lived.

The cozy square surrounding the sculpture is perfect for a peaceful break. You can sit on a bench in the shade of the trees and perhaps even read aloud favorite lines from "The Cat's House" or "The Kids in the Cage" — a lovely tradition among visitors with children. The place is filled with a creative spirit and is ideal for quiet reflection.

If your trip coincides with the annual "Marshak" Children's Theater Festival, the square around the monument transforms into a live stage with performances and concerts. After your walk, you can visit the restaurant located in the historic mansion of the poet's uncle to round off your experience with a meal in an authentic setting.

This cultural landmark is located in the heart of the city at 76 Karla Marksa St. Due to its central location, the monument is easy to reach on foot from many iconic spots: a walk from Central Park or the Museum of Fine Arts will take no more than 10–15 minutes.

If you prefer public transport, you can take buses or minibuses to the "Ulitsa Karla Marksa" or "Dom Marshaka" stops. For those arriving from the airport, the most convenient option is to book a taxi (about a 40-minute ride) or take bus No. 105A to the railway station and then transfer to local transport.

For travelers arriving by car, there are parking spaces near the square. Look for the Somov Mansion — the monument is installed right in front of it in a cozy pedestrian zone, making your visit very convenient.

The famous writer's connection to this location is no coincidence: Samuil Yakovlevich spent part of his youth in Voronezh. Between 1915 and 1917, he lived in his uncle's apartment (who was a dentist) in a house on Bolshaya Sadovaya (now Karla Marksa Street). Interestingly, this fact was not widely known for a long time, and the memorial plaque on the building's facade was only installed in 1989.

The idea for a full-scale monument was born in 2012, and the funds for its construction were raised through a true community effort. Charitable campaigns involved not only city residents and business owners but also famous public figures such as Vladimir Pozner and Leonid Yakubovich. Thanks to public support, more than 7 million rubles were raised.

The grand opening took place on October 28, 2015, as part of the Year of Literature. The ceremony was attended by the poet's grandson, Alexander Marshak. This monument became the world's first full-size monument to Samuil Marshak and remains the only monument in Russia dedicated exclusively to a children's author.

To view the monument, appreciate the sculptural details, and read the information on the memorial plaque, 15–30 minutes is usually enough. It is an ideal spot for a short stop during a walking tour of the city center.

If you decide to linger in the square, relax on a bench, or visit the nearby restaurant in the historic building, your stay could extend to 1–2 hours. During the "Marshak" Children's Theater Festival, the area becomes a hub of activity where you can easily spend much more time.

As the Samuil Marshak Monument is located in an open city area, it is accessible for visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has no closing days or lunch breaks, allowing you to include it in your itinerary even during a late evening walk through the beautifully lit streets of Voronezh.

However, if you plan to attend related cultural events or visit nearby establishments, we recommend checking their specific operating hours on official websites or city information portals.

A walk through the historic city center allows you not only to discover Marshak’s legacy but also to see many other iconic landmarks. The area around Karla Marksa Street is rich in architectural monuments and cultural spaces that perfectly complement a literary-themed route.

Exploring the immediate surroundings will help you better feel the atmosphere of the old city and learn about its storied past and modern art scene.